The Open Institute

Sometimes, writing is about arriving at a question.

Who gets the credit?, by Pallavi Shrestha ✍️

To read the rest of the memo:
https://notes.theopen.institute/who-gets-the-credit/

NOTES FROM THE FIELD is a glimpse into the kind of ethnographic writing we do at the Open Institute, creating knowledge from the ground up.

Photo credit:

A good piece of writing begins with good observation.

A field memo, "WAITING", by Samikshya Bhattarai. 📝

To read the rest of the memo, please check the link in bio. ☝

NOTES FROM THE FIELD is a glimpse into the kind of ethnographic research writing that our students engage in as they create knowledge around the questions they pursue.

Spring 2026 Enrollment Deadline Extended!

New deadline: Feb 25

Writing and Research is a 1-year long UK accredited higher diploma program. Classes begin in March with a mandatory all-expenses-paid retreat from March 22-28.

Our students come from diverse backgrounds, experiences and geographies. They arrive at OI to learn and grow together as a community of writers, researchers and thinkers.

Program includes:

⚡️ 2 semesters of liberal arts style seminars and workshops

⚡️1 week-long all-expenses-paid orientation retreat

⚡️ Close one-on-one mentorship and guidance from faculty and fellows

⚡️All reading materials

⚡️ Library access

⚡️Writing Center support

⚡️Communal working space with refreshments (weekdays)

⚡️ All OI social events (with food!)

⚡️ Playtime with cute cats and bunnies at our communcal space! 🐰🐱

Apply: https://theopen.institute/events/2026-02-25/writing-and-research-application-deadline-extended

And/or share widely!

📸:

Writing and Research Application Deadline (Extended) | The Open Institute Apply now to join the next session of our 1-year Higher Diploma.

Are you interested in our 1-year Writing and Research post-graduate diploma program? Did you have questions about the enrollment process, program structure, financial aid and possible scholarships?

Then please join us for a virtual public Open House on Sunday, Feb 1, at 10AM (Nepal time). During the Open House you will meet the OI faculty, fellows and some current students. It is the perfect space to not only learn more about the program but also ask all your burning questions!

Please sign up to join:
https://forms.gle/oCGcbVaAtAQEvsQ68

See you there!

Illustration: Tsering Tsomo Gurung

There is no better time than now to invest in yourself as a reader, writer, researcher and thinker.

Writing and Research is a 1-year UK accredited post-graduate diploma program.

Missed early admissions? Fret not, the final deadline for Spring 2026 Enrollment is February 6!

Aspiring writers from outside Kathmandu valley are strongly encouraged to apply. Financial aid available for qualified students. Hybrid classes: online and in-person. If you are looking to pour rigour, structure and care into your writing practice, then OI is the community for you!

For more info, visit our website. To apply: https://theopen.institute/events/2026-02-06/writing-and-research-application-deadline

Photo: Dia Yonzon

Whether the new year calls for a new you, or nudges you to tend to an old dream to write, this course is for you!

Enrollment for Spring 2026 is now open.

Writing and Research is a 1-year UK accredited post-graduate diploma program.

Aspiring writers from outside Kathmandu valley are strongly encouraged to apply. Financial aid available for qualified students. Hybrid classes: online and in-person. In addition, we are open for applications for the Patricia Martin Next Generation Scholarship available for students who apply by January 9 (https://theopen.institute/events/2026-01-09/scholarship-competition-writing-and-research)

For more info and to apply, visit our website or apply via: https://theopen.institute/courses/writing-and-research.

📷:

Be part of the next generation of writing and research. Tell stories that make change.

This scholarship supports new voices in social research with training, mentorship, and a stipend for students enrolled in the Open Institute’s Higher Diploma in Writing and Research (Level 5).

Applications due Jan 9, one week ahead of the diploma’s early admission deadline. See our website for more details.

https://theopen.institute/events/2026-01-09/scholarship-competition-writing-and-research

Enrollment for Spring 2026 is open!

Writing and Research is a 1-year UK-accredited post-graduate diploma program.

Aspiring writers from outside Kathmandu Valley are strongly encouraged to apply. Financial aid available for qualified students. Hybrid classes: online and in-person.

Apply today: https://theopen.institute/events/2026-01-16/writing-and-research-application-deadline-early-admission

Early Deadline: Jan 16, 2026.

For more details, check out our website: https://theopen.institute

Photo: Dia Yonzon

https://theopen.institute/ethnography

The OI Prize in New Ethnographic Writing is an annual award granted in recognition of outstanding new research. We invite authors to submit articles and essays on any subject relevant to contemporary social science, especially those that look beyond the traditional boundaries of ethnography.

We are looking for work that demonstrates immersive participant observation, a commitment to effective storytelling, and arguments that disrupt assumptions. No particular academic background is required. We especially encourage authors from underrepresented communities and socioeconomic backgrounds to apply.

OI Prize in New Ethnographic Writing | The Open Institute Deadline extended to November 30, 2025 Winner: 100,000 NPR Two Honorable Mentions: 25,000 NPR each The OI Prize in New Ethnographic Writing is an annual award granted in recognition of outstanding new research. We invite authors to submit articles and essays on any subject relevant to contemporary s...

Final deadline for applications! This UK-based program will help you develop your skills to become the writer and thinker you want to be.

Financial aid program for qualified students. Hybrid online and in-person. Students outside of Kathmandu encouraged to apply.

https://theopen.institute/events/2025-08-08/writing-and-research-final-deadline

Higher Diploma in Writing and Research (Level 5) | The Open Institute Liberal arts teaching philosophy; world class student-led learning; and a supportive infrastructure. No barriers to talent.